Job Ad: Student – Horticulture Assistant
Organization: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Division/Branch: Economic Development Division / Agriculture Development Branch
Position Title: Student – Summer Research Assistant
Job Term: Temporary (2-3 positions) for up to 18 weeks
Location: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Station, Harrow, Ontario (Essex County, on the north shore of Lake Erie, 4 hours southwest of Toronto)
Salary: $12.25 / hour, based on a 36.25 hour work week
Are you serious about making your mark, getting hands-on work experience and learning more about careers in the Ontario Public Service? These positions at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Station will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in horticulture production, research or the agricultural service sector. These positions will provide the opportunity to learn about diseases, insects, weeds and agronomy of the major field horticulture crops and greenhouse crops grown in the province.
Duties:
- Assist with summer research and demonstration projects conducted by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Horticulture Staff in field and greenhouse environments.
- Activities will include the set-up and maintenance (weeding, planting, etc.) of research plots focused on production practices, soil health, weed control, pest management, and fertility etc., collection/entering of data and preparation of written reports. Training will be provided on research methods, technology transfer, and working in the public sector.
- Field work may include farm tours, field scouting, identification and monitoring of insects, weeds and crop diseases.
- Assist staff with the collection and analysis of on-farm samples and data for research projects.
- Assist staff to conduct literature reviews and develop written reports and presentation materials on key initiatives and industry issues.
- Assist in the coordination of events and programs (e.g. workshops, demonstrations, field days etc.) working with key stakeholders and clients in delivery of programs and information.
- Office work may include assisting with the production of technical information such as newsletters, updating web pages, blogs, scanning images, etc.
Please review the qualifications for this position. What we are looking for:
- You apply your interpersonal skills to work within a multi-disciplinary team
- You apply your observational skills and attention to detail to conduct research, field monitoring and data entry
- You apply your written communication skills to prepare a variety of documents (e.g. reports, factsheets, and articles).
- You are familiar with computer based software applications including MS Word, MS Excel and database management software to perform data entry, conduct analysis, prepare reports, track and compile information
- You can work in an outdoor environment with physical activity involved
- You work independently or as part of a team; you plan, organize and prioritize your work to meet competing deadlines
- You are familiar with farming and crop production
- You are willing to travel to rural locations (frequently not accessible by public transportation)
- You must have a minimum Ontario G2 Driver’s License
How to Apply:
- You must demonstrate how you meet the eligibility criteria, skills and experience we are looking for clearly, completely and concisely. We rely on the information you provide to us.
- You must be a resident of Ontario on the first day of employment.
- You must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- You must be between 15-24 years of age (up to 29 with disability) on the first day of employment.
- You must be currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary school, or have completed all academic requirements for graduation within 6 months of first day of employment.
- You must provide your cover letter and resume electronically in one file to kristen.obeid@ontario.ca in any of the following formats: PDF, WORD, plain or rich-text format (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt and .rtf). Or you could provide your cover letter and resume on paper to:
Kristen Obeid
OMAFRA
2585 County Rd. 20, R.R.#2
Harrow, Ontario
N0R 1G0
Tel: 519-738-1232
Fax: 519-738-2929
You should receive confirmation within 2 business days if your application was received. If you do not receive a confirmation in that time, please call Kristen Obeid.
If you have a disability and require accommodation to apply please contact kristen.obeid@ontario.ca.
Posting Date: January 23, 2017
Closing Date: February 13, 2017